Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1887-12-22

OW be your wife, Raymond, and, perhaps,
some day l will love you as you deserve"
The soft hazel eyes, with tears spark
ling on their long, curved lashes, were
lifted to the handsome, noble face that
bent so tenderly over her.
As for Raymond Kingsley, he folded her
in his arms with prayer of thanktulness
on his lips as he kissed the sweet face he
loved so fondly.
She did not love him now, but she would
love him when once she was his wife. He
did not dream that she loved another. He
was too honest and unsuspeCting for that
All he wished was her love; that was the
one bright dream of his life. And some
day he felt sure that dream would be real
lied.
week later Archie Ashton came home,
and was very soon Informed of Lera's en-
gagement to Raymond Kingsley. lie
would not credit such report until he had
heard it from her own lips. Then, and not
till then, would he believe it. She was
sure to be at the ball that evening, and he
would see her there.
The ball room was brilliant with lights,
and was one bright bower of fragrance and
beauty.
As Archie Ashton entered, the first per-
son his eyes rested upon was Lera. Lera,
leaning ON the arm of Raymond Kingsley,
looking as beautiful as a dream. in a dainty
| evening dress of exquisite texture, all light
and tleecy, with bare white arms and
shoulders. A picture of fair, innocent,
girlsh beauty was Lera Grantley, and SO
thought Archie Ashton.
He watched his chance, and, as soon as
she was seated, made his way to her side.
At that instant some one spoke to Ray
| wh | har hoH
encountered the handsome smiling face of
Archie Ashton.
For a moment her heart seemed to stand
still; then the crimson blood rushed to her
cheeks and she had all she could do to
prevent the tears from filling her eyes.
| "Lera Miss GrantlCy have you one
dance left for me? Am l too 1resuming to
ask for n waltz"
He bent over her in the old familiar way,
and his voice sank to n low thrilling whis-
per.
Lera handed him her card, saying: 81
think the values are all taken. However,
you may have a dance; there must be sew
eral unengaged."
II am fortunate, said Archie Ashton.
"One waltz remains unclaimed No. 3,
Permit me-" And he placed his name OPP
posite.
| linen, as haNlnOnu Kingsley was SeeL
approaching, he bowed low and left her.
"She loves me-" he said to himself, at
he made his way leisurely across the ball.
room and took his station by window
where, he could watch her unseen.
yes! she loves me; else why that flush
on her cheek? And the downcast eyes
when | spoke to her? Now, that | am tolC
another has won her, find how dear shC
is to me. There must be n mistake it car
not be true! She does not love him.
shall win her yeti"
All! that waltz, No. s. TO Lera
was more like dream than reality
Archie Ashton had taken her around the
crowded ballroom twice without accident
or interruption, or, what she dread d still
more, whispered word. Then he sud
denly paused and before she could reuliI
where they were going, he had led he
through the open door into the dlml
lighted conservatory. 1t was almost de
serted. fragrant with the heavy perfume o
the flowers aud d lightfully cool.
Archie Ashton sought the most remOt
corner from the light, where he found a sea
for Lera, then clasped both of her hands il
his.
"Lera, hear you are engaged to Ray
mold Kingsley. Is this true?"
"Quie true, replied Lera. And in spit
of herself her lips quivered piteously as sh
continued: And l am to congratulate yol
also, am l not, Mr. Ashton?"
Me! Lera, you are dreaming! am en-
gagged to no one; l love you, my darling